Transformation opens up a new chapter for Malvern builder battling MND - The Malvern Observer

Transformation opens up a new chapter for Malvern builder battling MND

Malvern Editorial 14th Sep, 2018 Updated: 14th Sep, 2018   0

A BRAVE Malvern builder battling motor neurone disease (MND) can enjoy a ‘new chapter’ in his life after kind-hearted tradesmen and women transformed his home so he could spend more time with his family.

Jamie Thompson was diagnosed with MND in October 2014, aged 45, and was told he had just three years to live.

While the 49-year-old has surpassed medics’ expectations he is wheelchair-bound and has limited use of his hands.

His condition means he is confined to areas which only his motorised wheelchair can access meaning he could not get out in the garden with two-year-old son Ollie as well as his daughters Kiya, 12, and Amber, seven, from a previous relationship who visit regularly.




After hearing about Jamie’s situation, Band of Builders teamed up with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity to overhaul his garden to make accessible paths for his wheelchair and a seating area where the family can spend time together.

They also completely replaced his kitchen.


While Jamie and Sarah stayed at a nearby hospice, volunteers from Band of Builders descended on his home in Chockbury Lane to carry out the work over eight days.

During the week, the volunteers saw an outpouring of support from the community from free accommodation provided by neighbours, Malvern St James Girls’ School and pubs to deliveries of food and drinks from restaurants, keen home bakers and Jamie and Sarah’s friends and family.

The transformation was recently revealed to the couple in an emotional handover.

Jamie said: “What a transformation! It was a pleasure to meet every single person involved in this project.

“It has opened up what has become an increasingly small world as an MND sufferer.”

Sarah added the work by Band of Builders was ‘nothing short of a miracle’.

“This really is a new chapter for Jamie and us,” she said.

“The changes which have been made mean he can now get into the kitchen and out onto the decking.

“More importantly, he can actually get down into the garden to spend time with Ollie and the girls.

“Until now he’s had to watch from afar but he can actually be with them now and make some happy memories.”

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